Plan Your Gettysburg Trip

Welcome Back to Gettysburg

So many families visit when their kids are younger and then don’t make it back for years. If you haven’t been here in a few years, it’s time to reconnect with Gettysburg, and each other.

Day 1

Start your vacation getting acquainted with Gettysburg at the Gettysburg Diorama where you can see the entire 6,000-acre battlefield in 3-D miniature as you hear the story of the three-day battle and how it progressed. Be sure to check out the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitors Center which offers a featured film “A New Birth of Freedom” and the restored “Battle of Gettysburg” cyclorama painting – the largest painting in the country depicting the third day’s battle. Don’t miss the museum portion, where the story of the Battle and the war is told through 12 galleries that include artifacts, interactive exhibits and additional films.

After lunch, tour the battlefield with one of our licensed battlefield guides or jump on a Segway to see the battlefield in an adventurous way.

That night, check out Sidney Willoughby Run where you will dine on the edge of the battlefield. Not only is it beautiful, Chef Neil Annis will delight your palate.

Day 2

Check out the Gettysburg Seminary Ridge Museum, an interpretive museum featuring the First Day Battle, July 1, 1863, on the very site where it happened; Civil War field medicine in the building that was the largest field hospital at Gettysburg; and the Seminary where religious issues that not only divided but also inspired our nation in the 19th century were debated. You should also stop by the David Wills House to learn the story of President Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address in the place where Lincoln spent the night before his renowned speech.

After the history, grab some lunch. Check out the Blue Parrot Bistro for some tasty sandwiches or a quiche. If you are looking for a little variety, try the new Savor Gettysburg Food Tour offered each weekend – it is a great way to try out several restaurants and discover the streets of Gettysburg. Afterward, explore the countryside.

Everyone knows Gettysburg’s Civil War history, but did you know of our rich agriculture – including wineries? Get started with the Gettysburg Wine and Fruit Trail that will take you to various wineries, orchards, and markets. Stay long enough and you can enjoy dinner at one of our unique dining options like Hickory Bridge Farm – its family style, so go hungry.

If you are all about the wine, our three county wineries include Adams Country Winery, Hauser Estate Winery and Reid’s Orchard & Winery, but you don’t want to miss Catoctin Breeze just a short drive south in Maryland. Visit the winery locations in their vineyards or visit their tasting rooms in downtown Gettysburg.

Day 3

Hit the county again to tour the orchards or pick your own fruit at Boyer’s Nurseries & Orchards, Historic Round Barn and Farm Market and Hollabaugh Brothers Fruit Farm & Market. After all of the eating and drinking, a good hike wouldn’t hurt. Get better acquainted with nature at Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve where ten miles of trails feature woodlands, mountain streams, ponds and a restored mineral quarry. Now that you’re refreshed, you can head home and plan the next family reunion trip in Gettysburg.

Start here and step inside one of the Civil War's most historic buildings--located along Seminary Ridge on the National Park Service's auto tour route, Guided tours of the building's cupola are available offering wonderful battlefield views. TripAdvisor 2015 Certificate of Excellence winner.

Renowned Chef Neil Annis and his culinary team prepare exquisite cuisine most of which is "farm to table" with daily specials. Enjoy casual outdoor dining under a verandah terrace complete with a view of the battlefield or a more formal experience in the Fireplace Room or Tavern with views as well.